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Nov. 26, 1929. J. TAVANI 1,737,034 MEANS FOR AUTOMATICALLY CONTROLLING THE OPERATION OF MOVING PICTUE MACHINES AND FOR OPERATING A FIRE CONTROL SHUTTER Filed Aug. 5, 1927 2 Sheets-Sheet l ATTORNEY Nov. 26, 1929. J. TAVANI 1,737,034 MEANS FOR AUTOMATICALLY CONTROLLING THE OPERATION OF MOVING PICTUE MACHINES AND FOR OPERATING A FIRE CONTROL SHUTTER Filed Aug. 5, 1927 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 [N VENTOR A TTORNEY Patented Nov. 26, 1929 UNETED STATES PATENT oFFICE JOSEPH TAVANI, F PHILADELPHIA, IENN'SYLVANIA MEANS FOR AUTOIVEATICALLY CONTROLLING THE OPERATIOIT OF MOVING-PICTURE MACHINES AND FOR OPERATING A FIRE-CONTROLSHUTTER Application filed August 5, 1927. Serial No. 210,856.

My invention relates to means adapted to be attached to or embodied in the construction of a moving picture machine which upon the breaking of a film, or in some cases the displacement of a film, operates automatically to interrupt the operation of the machine, to cause movement of a shutter into position to interrupt the shaft of light from the lamp to the machine, and to interrupt the 1 electric circuit through the lamp. Such control contributes greatly to the safety in the operation of moving picture machines.

A general object of the invention is to provide attachments for moving picture machines which are so related to and so co-operate with the film which travels through the machine that when the latter is broken or when portions thereof are displaced means is operated to interrupt feeding of the film through the machine and also to interrupt the passage of light from the lamp through the machine.

' A further object of the invention is to provide electric attachments which not only operate as above indicated to interrupt the travel of the film through the machine and to interrupt the shaft of light from the projecting lamp, but also to interrupt the circuit through the lamp to thereby effect the extinguishing of the latter.

It also is an object of the invention to provide an attachment for moving picture machines, the operation of which is adapted to be controlled by the breakage of the film or displacement thereof; the said attachment being of such character that it does not scratch or otherwise injure the film in its passage through the machine.

I shall not at this time undertake to point 10 out all of the various objects and advantages incident to my invention but other objects and advantages thereof will be referred to in the detailed description thereof which follows, or will become apparent from such description.

In order that the invention may be readily understood and its practical advantages appreciated reference should be had to the accompanying drawings in which I have illustrated one embodiment thereof. However,

it Wlll be understood that the invention is susceptible of embodimentin other forms of construction than that shown and that changes in the details of construction may be made within the scope of the claims without departing from the said invention.

In the drawings: I

Fig. 1 is a View in vertical sectional elevation showing a portion of a moving picture machine having embodied: therein I attachments constructed in accordance with my invention; a i

Fig. 2 is a view in vertical sectional elevation of a switch structure for controlling the shutter for interrupting the light from the projecting lamp tothe machine; 1

Fig. 3 is a sectional view taken on the line 3-3 of'Fig. 2; r

Fig. 4 is a view in vertical section of a switch box and a switch support, the switch being shown in side elevation;

Fig. 5 is-a view taken substantially at right angles to the plane in which Fig. 4 is taken; showing the switch box or casing in section and showing the switch in elevation;

Fig. 6 is a view in perspective of means whereby the switch illustrated in Figs. 4 and 5 is adapted to be actuated; and

Fig. 7 is a schematic view showing the arrangement and relation of the electric circuits constituting a part of the attachment structure.

In the drawings I have shown a portion of a drum casing 1 in which the supply film is adapted to be mounted, the film 2 being unwound therefrom and drawn through the machine by means of feed rollers 3 and 4 rotating continuously to effect continuous travelling movement of the film 2 After the film has passed between the rollers 3 and 4 it extends upwardly to form a loop or bend 5 and then downwardly between guide plates 6 which are separated from each other to. form a guide as shown. From the guide lates 6 the film passes between the rollers which operate intermittently to effect movement of the film 2 between the guides 6. After having passed between the rollers 7 and 8 the film bends laterally to form the loop 9 after which it passes between the guide rollers 10,

and8

11 and 12 and past the guide roller 13 to a drum, not shown, mounted within the casing a portion of which is shown at 14. The guide plates 6 are provided with openings as indicated at 20 which constitute a window or opening through which the shaft or beam of light from the lamp 21 passes. The light from the light source of the lamp 21 passes through a condensing lens 22 and thence through the opening 20, impinging upon the film 2 as indicated in Fig. 1. The light after it passes through a film passes through a projecting lens and any picture or illustration which may be disposed upon the film is projected onto a screen in known manner.

The mechanism as thus far described is that which is embodied in the-usual'oonstruction of moving picture machines and will not be described more in detail because it constitutes no part of my invention.

It frequently happens that a film is broken during its passage through the machine. Sometimes the break occurs in advance of or near the feed rollers 3 and 4 and at other times after it has passed beyond the guide plates 6. In either event it is desirable that means he provided which will operate auto matically upon such breakage to interrupt the operation of the machine. In some cases also the machine may not operate to properly feed the film t-herethrough'and thus causes dis placement of the loops 5 and 9. In any case, either of breakage or displacement, it is desirable that means be operated to interrupt the operation of the machine.

More often the breakage of a film occurs after it has passed or travelled beyond the guide plates 6. In the latter event the attachment embodying my invention is provided with means whereby the light shutter is operated and whereby also the operation of the machine is interrupted. If however, the break occurs in theneighborhood of or in proximity to the feed rollers 3 and 4, means is provided whereby not only is the operation of the machine interrupted and the light shuttcr operated, but the circuit through the lamp is broken or interrupted.

The operation of the machine to feed the film thereto is effected by a motor indicated at 25 to which current is supplied from a supply line 26. The return line is indicated at if? and is adapted to be opened and closed by a manually operable switch 28. The flow of current through the motor is also adapted to be cont-rolled by the automatically acting switch indicated as a whole at 30. The construction and operation of the latter switch will be described hereinafter fully and in detail. Current for controllingautomatically the operation of the switch at 30 and likewise a switch at 31 is supplied from a transformer 32. Current for energizing the transformer 32 is supplied by a switch controlled line 33. Current leaves the transformer through a line 34 and is adapted to flow through a branch line 35 through two switch structures, one of which is indicated as a whole at 36 and the other is indicated as a whole at 37. The current is supplied to the switch 37 through aterial, the latter being secured in suitable manner to a portion of the machine casing 44. The resilient spring plate 41, which is very light and easily moved, is provided at a point intermediate its ends with contacts upon opposite sides thereof. These contacts are located between and normally slightly spaced from contacts 46 on opposite sides thereof, which contacts are mounted upon the inner sides of outwardly extending spaced plates 47 which are supported upon a bracket or knee plate 50 but insulated therefrom by means of insulation 51. The end of the wire 38 is connected to the binding post'42 (of switch 37) which binding post has electrical connection with the spring plate 41 of said switch. The outer end ofthe spring plate 41 of each of the switches 36 and 37 is provided with a laterally extending portion 52 which has connection with a switch actuating wire 53 which is of light or frail construction. The inner endof the switch actuating wire 53 of each switch is connected with a bracket 54 of light and flexible construction which is secured by means of a bolt 55 to the block 43 of insulating material previously referred to.

The outer end of each switch actuating wire 53 terminates in a T-shaped end in adjacent relation to the portions of the film 2 as shown in Fig. 1 of the drawings, so that if the film should happen to break in advance of feed rollers 3 and 4, the broken released end portion thereof would or might contact with the end of the switch actuating wire associated with switch 36 to actuate the same and effect movement of the spring plate 41 of said switch by reason of the connection of the latter with the former as previously described. Such movement would cause contact of one or the other of the movable contacts 45 with one or the other of the stationary contacts 46. It will be understood that each of the contacts 46 of the switch 36 electrically connected with the wire 56, the said connection being indicated diagrammaticaliy in Fig. 7, by branch wires 58. On the other hand if the film should happen to break beyond and in proximity to the rollers 10 and 12, the broken released end portion thereof would or might contact with 'the switch actuating wire 53 associated with the switch 37 to actuate the same and cause movement of the plate 41 of the switch 37 to cause the contacts 45 thereon to contact with one or the other of the contacts 46 of said switch. Each of the latter has connection with wire 110, as shown in Fig. 7.

Instead of the film breaking or becoming, displaced so as to contact with the outer end of the switch actuating rod 53 of the switch 36, it may break or become displaced with relation to the rollers 3 and 4 in such position as to contact with a bent wire 60, the outer swinging bent end of which-at 61-terminates within the bend or loop 5 of the film and in adjacent relation to the portion of the film forming said bend or loop. The bent wire 60 is connected at 62 to a stationary pivot and, as indicated at 63, to the switch actuating wire 53 ofthe switch 36. It will be understood that if any portion of the film should contact with the bent wire 60 effecting movement thereof movement of the switch actuating wire 53 would be effected to momentarily close the contacts of the switch 36.

A similar wire 60 is employed-to actuate the contact actuating wire 53 of the switch 37. The wire 60 is pivoted at 61 to a stationary pivot. One end portion thereof projects upwardly and laterally and terminates at a point underneath the rollers 7 and 8 in proximity to the upper portion of the loop 9 of the film. The opposite end portion of the wire 60 is coiled about the actuating wire '53 of theswitch 37 as indicated at 62' and is extended downwardly and laterally as indicated at 63 to. a point in'proximity to the portion of the film which extends downwardly from the roller 10 and past the roller 13. It will be understood that the breakage of the film or displacement thereof at any point below the guide plates 6 and within the region of the rollers 7 and 8 and 10 and 13 will result in some portion thereof contacting with some portion or part of wire 60 or with the actuating wire 53 of the switch 37 to momentarily close the contacts of said switch.

The wire 56 is connected to branch wires 65 and 66. The outer end of the wire 65 is connected at 67 to a wire, one portion 68 of which extends through the coils69 of an electromagnet which is adapted to operate the movable contact member of the switch 30 previously referred to. One side of the coil 69 is connected by means of a wire 70 to the opposite side of the transformer 32.

It may be noted here that the movable member 71 of the switch 30 is normally in contact with a stationary contact 72.

If-the switch 36 is momentarily closed current flows through the transformer through the coil at 69 to energize the same and effect movement of the movable member 71 of the switch 30 to move 'the'same out of contact with the stationary contact 72. Such movement interrupts the current through the motor 25. The circuit through the motor also may be opened and closed by meansof a manually operable switch 73 as well as by the switch 28. I

Upon operation of the movable member 71 of the switch 30 into position-to open the circuit through the motor 25, or from the full line position in which it is shown inFig. 2 of the drawing to the dottedlineposition in which it is shown in the said figure, a shutter 75 is moved into position in front of the opening 20 to prevent light from the lamp 21 strikingagainst the portion of the film which may extend acrossthe saidopening. The shutter 75 is guided in its opening. and shutting movements by means of guide plates 76 of insulating material which are located in spaced relation to each other and in parallel relation to the film guide plates 6 previously referred to. The plates 76 are provided with openings 77 similar to the opening 20 through which the light from the lamp 21 may pass. Y

The shutter 75 is supported by means of a link 80 which depends from the outer lower end of an arm 81'which is connected at its upper inner end to a shaft 82 rotatably mounted in bearings whichare-provided 'in brackets 83 supported upon axbasez84 of the switch structure 30.- ;The sha-ft82 -is pro vided with a gear 85which meshes. with a gear 86 mounted upon a shaftg89 supported in bearingsprovided in-brackets'or posts 90 mounted upon the base 84 previously referred to.

The movable contact 71 is mounted upon and insulated by means of a strip'or bar 90 of insulating material from a bar 91, the lower end of whichis-ri'gidly connectedwith the shaft 89 and projectsbeyond the said shaft and is provided with a handle 92 by means of which the said bar 91 and the shaft 89 may be operated manually. A spring wire is coiled about the shaft 89 and is so related thereto and to the bar 91 as to cause movement of the said bar, when it isreleased as will be hereinafter described, into and to hold it in the position in which it is shown in dotted lines of Fig. 2. The opposite end portions of the wire spring are coiled about the shaft 89 upon opposite sides of the bar 91 as indicated at 94 and the opposite ends thereof contact with the adjoining surface of the base 84. The intermediate or central connecting portion 95 of said wire extends over the bar 91 and the said spring is so tensioned that it exerts a force, as already indicated,

of the drawing to the dotted line position shown therein the gear 85 is rotated in an anti-clockwise direction (having reference to Fig. 2 of the drawings) to cause downward movement of the arm 81 to thereby permit or cause the shutter 75 to move into position in front of the opening 20 as has been indi= cated already. Movement of the movable contact 71 out of contact with the stationary contact 72 breaks the circuit through the motor 25. It will be seen therefore that by the single movement of the contact 71 two things are accomplished; one being the interruptionof the operation of the motor and of the machine, and the other being the movement of the shutter 75 into position across the path of the light from the lamp 21.

At the same time that the electro magnet 69 is energized as the result of the momentary closing of the contacts of the switch 36 current also flows through the line 65, through the branch 66, to the line 100, one portion of which is connected with a switch at 101, which normally is open, while the other portion of which is connected to the coils of an electromagnet 102 which is adapted to control the switch 31 to effect opening thereof to interrupt the circuit which supplies electric current of the proper voltage to the lamp 21. Current is supplied to the lamp through the line 103tin the usual well known manner. The'switch 31'is of the well known double knife type, as indicated at 104. The blades of said switch are'adapted to en gage the spring contacts 105 as shown 'in Fig. 7. The portion ofthe line 100which is connected with the coils of the electromagnet 102 continues through the line 106 and is connected with the line to which previous reference has been made. It will be seen therefore that upon the actuation of the switch control wire 53 to momentarily close the contacts of the switch 36 the circuit for supplying electric current to the light at 21 is also interrupted.

As has been indicated already the tendency of the wire spring about the shaft 89 is to hold the bar 91 with the contact 71 supported thereon in its down or depressed position as shown in dotted lines in Fig. 2.

It will be observed that when the switch 37 is closed, current flows therethrough and through the conducting lines 110 and 08 to the coil 69 thereby causing the switch at 30 to be actuated to open the circuit through the motor 25, the shutter being moved simultaneously into position in front of the opening 20 and that by the energizing of the coil 102. (the current flowing thereto from the conducting line 110 through conducting lines 68, G5, (36 and 100), the switch 31 is opened thereby interrupting the flow of current to the light and extinguishing the same.

For the purpose of maintaining the bar 91 with the movable contact 71 carried thereby in the position as shown in full lines in Fig. 2 with the said contact 71 in contact with the stationary contact 72 I have provided a latch comprising a bar 111 pivoted at one end as indicated at 112 and extending transversely of and beyond the bar 91'. The bar 91 is provided with a metal plate 113 having a lateral projection 114 thereon which is adapted to be engaged by a shoulder 115 upon the adjoining edge of the pivoted bar 111. The edge of the bar 111, under the influence of gravity, rests against the adjoining edge of the projection 114. If desired however the force of gravity may be supplemented by a spring or any other suitable means, not shown.

For the purpose of locking the shoulder 115 in engagement with the projection 114, I have provided a bar 120 pivoted intermediate its end at 121. The upper end of said bar is pressed downwardly by means of a coiled spring 122, the lower end of which rests upon the outer side of the upper end of the bar 120, while the upper end thereof abuts against a stationary stop 122. The bar 120 is provided with a pointed projection 123 which engages with a notch 124 in the upper edge of the pivoted latch bar 111. As long as the pointed projection 123 remains in engagement with the notch 124 the shoulder 115 of the pivoted latch bar 111 is retained in engagement with the projection 114. The lower end of the pivoted bar 120 is provided with an armature 125 located in adjacent relation to the outer end of the electromagnet 69. Upon energizing of the magnet the armature 125 is attracted to cause movement of the end of the bar 120 upon which it is carried toward the magnet which causes movement of the opposite upper end portion of the said bar to disengage the projection 123 from the notch 124. When this occurs the force exerted by the coiled spring upon the shaft 89 causes the projection 114 acting upon the inclined or beveled surface of the shoulder 115 to cam the latter together with the latch bar 111 upwardly so that the projection 114 is disengaged from the said shoulder 115. The bar 91 and the contact 71 carried thereon are then moved under the influence of the said spring comprising the part 95 from the full line to the dotted line shown in Fig. 2. \Vhen in the latter position the contact 71 contacts with the stationary contact 126. The result of breaking the circuit through the contact 72 has been pointed out already.

Outward or upward movement of the latch bar 111 may be limited by the adjustable stop 127 mounted upon the part 128 which is carried by the bar 91 and upon which the contact 71 is mounted.

The contact 126 is connected by means of a line 131 to the-positive side of the line through- -tionin front of the opening 20 whereby the the motor 25. A switch 132 in the line 131 is normally open.

It follows therefore that when the contact 71 moves into contact with the stationary contact 126 the operation of the motor is discontinued; If itbe desired to operate the motor with the movable contact 71 in contact with the contact 126 such operation may be effected by manually or otherwise closing the switch 132.

If it be desired, for any reason, to energize the electromagnet at 102 when the switch 132 is in closed position, such energization may be effected by closing the switch 101. The said switch-101 is normally held in open position by a spring as indicated and this opening movement is limited by a stop pin 136. Upon closing the switch 101 the circuit from the transformer is closed through line 34, the said switch 101, the line leading from the latter through the coil of the electromagnet 102, and thence through lines 106 and back to the transformer.

The switch 134 is held normally in open position by a spring as indicated, the extent of its opening movement being limited by a stop pin 137. If the switch 134 be closed the circuit from the transformer 32 is closed through the wire 34, the switch 134, line 133, the coils of the electromagnet 69 and the wire '70. It is clear therefore that upon closing "the switch 134 the switch 30 is operated,

breaking the circuit through the motor and interrupting its operation, and that at the same time 'theshutter 7 5 is moved into posilight from the lamp is prevented from striking orimpinging upon the portion of thefilm 2 back of the said opening.

It will be seen that by my invention I have provided means whereby complete control of the operation of amoving picture machine may be accomplished and whereby also the factor of safety is greatly increased.

Having thus described my invention, what I claim and desire to secure by Letters Patent 1. Means for controlling the operation of a moving picture machine, comprising means for conveying a film therethrough, a plurality of switches, movable means normally out of contact with said film located in adjacent relation to the said means for conveying the film through said machine and adapted to be actuated in either of two directions in case of breakage or displacement of the said film to effect momentary closing of one or the other of the said switches, a pluralit of circuits through said switches, a motor circuit for driving the said machine to feed a film therethrough, a switch located within the said motor circuit, means within the said circuits which is adapted to be energized upon the closing of either of the first named switches to effect opening of motor circuit switch and meshing with said.

first named gear whereby movement of the switch blade causes the fire shutter.to be actuated.

2. Means for controlling the operation of a moving picture machine, comprising, in-

combination, a plurality of setsof devices for feeding a film through said machine, a plurality of switches one of which is located in operative relation to one of said sets of devices and the other one of which is located in operative relation-to the other of said sets of devices, movable means normally out of contact with said film located in adjoining relation to the said set-s of devices and having connection with the said switches and adapted to be moved to effect closing of said switches upon breakage or displacement of a film, a plurality of circuits including said switches, a motorcircuit, a switch for opening and closing the same, means within the said circuits adapted to be energized upon the closing of eitherthereof to open the switch in thesaidmotor circuit, a fire control shutter. :and i a shaft :for -actua'ting the same, a gear secured to'said shaft, and

I with said switches, which devices are interposed between the said switches and portions of'the said film and normally out of contact with the latter and are adapted to be actuated by the displacement or breakage of said film, a plurality of circuits including said switches, a motor circuit, a switch within the said motor circuit for opening and closin the same, and means within the first name circuits which is adapted to be energized upon the closing of either of the first named switches to effect opening movement of the movable member of the switch within the said-motor circuit a fire control shutterand a shaft for actuating the same, a gear secured to said shaft, and a second gear connected to the blade of said motor circuit switch and meshing with said first named gear whereby movement of the switch blade causes the fire shutter to be actuated.

4. Means for controlling the operation of a moving picture machine, said machine comprising means for feeding a film therethrough and a source of light for projecting light through said film, the said means comprising, in combination, a plurality of switches mounted within said machine, movable means normally out of contact with and interposed between a film as it is conveyed through the said machine and the said switches and having connection with the said switches said means being adapted to be actuated by the breaking or displacement of a film, a plurality of circuits including the said switches,

a motor circuit, a switch within the said motor circuit, means adapted to be energized by the closing of either of the first named switches for moving the switch in the motor circuit into open position, a fire shutter and actuating means therefor, and means comprising a pair of gears interposed between the latter and the said motor circuit switch one of said gears being connected to the blade of said motor circuit switch and the other thereof being'connected to the said actuating means, for the fire shutter whereby upon' opening of the motor circuit switch the said fire shutter is moved into position between the film and the said source of light.

5. Means for automatically controlling the operation of a moving picture machine,

which machine comprises means for feeding a film therethrough and a lamp for projecting a beam of vlight through said film, the

' said means comprising a plurality ofswitches one of which islocated in theupper portion and the other one of which is located in the lower portion of the casing of the machine, contact arms projecting from said switches toward 'the film path and terminating in proximity thereto, pivotally supported means located between said arms and the film path, the said pivotally supporting means being connected with the said arms and projecting in opposite directions with respect thereto, the opposite ends thereof terminating at points in adjoining relation to the path of the said film, the said arms and the said means being adapted to contact with portions of a film upon the displacement or the breaking thereof during its passage through the machine whereby the said switches are adapted to be closed, circuits including the said switches, a motor circuit, a switch included within said motor circuit, means adapted to be energized upon the closing of either of the said first named circuits to effect opening movement of the motor circuit switch, a shaft upon which the movable member of the said motor circuit switch is mounted and which is actuated by the movement of said member, a counter shaft, a fire shutter, means for supporting said fire shutter upon the said counter shaft, and gears mounted upon the said shaft and countershaft which gears are in mesh with each other whereby upon opening movement of the movable member of the said motor circuit switch, the said fire shutter is moved into the path of a beam of light from the said lamp to prevent the same from impinging upon the film.

(3. Means for controlling the operation of a moving picture machine, which machine includes film feeding mechanism and a lamp for projecting a beam of light through the film, the said means comprising, in combination, a plurality of switches which are normally open, means normally positioned out of contact with the said film adapted to be actuated upon the breaking or displacement of a film within the machine to momentarily close said switches, an electric circuit including said switches, a motor and a circuit therefor for driving said machine, a switch with- -in said motor circuit for controlling the same,

means adapted to be energized upon the closing of either of the first named switches to effect opening of the motor circuit switch to interrupt the operation of the said motor and to thereby stop the op'erationof the said machine, a fire shutter, gears interposed between the said fire shutterand the movable member of the motor circuit controlling switch and having rigid connection respectively with the movable member of the mo tor circuit controlling switch and withthe said shutter and which gears are in mesh with each other, whereby upon movement of the movable member of the said switch into position to open the motor circuit movement of the said shutter into position between he light-projecting lamp and the film in the machine is effected, and a-supplemental ually operable switch for closingthe said circuit. 1 I a a 7. Means for controlling the operation of a moving picture machine which machine includes film feeding mechanism, said means comprising in combination a plurality of switches which are normally open, means normally positioned out of contact with the film of said machine adapted to be actuated upon the breaking or displacement of the film within the machine to close said switches, an electric circuit including said switches, a motor and a circuit therefor for driving said machine, a switch within said motor circuit for controlling the same, a latch adapted to retain the blade of said motor control switch in circuit closing position, means for normally urging said switch blade to circuit opening position, an electro magnet adapted to be energized upon the closing of either of said first named switches to permit said switch blade to be moved to circuit opening position to interrupt the operation of the said motor and to thereby stop the operation of the said machine, a fire shutter, a support therefor, and gears interposed between the movable member of the motor control switch and the support for said shutter, said gears being in mesh with each other and having rigid connection respectively with the movable member of the said motor control switch and the support for said shutter, whereby movement of the movable member of said switch into position to open the motor circuit actuates the said gears to cause movement of the said shutter into position between the light-projecting lamp and the film in the machine.

In testimony that I claim the foregoing as my invention, I have hereunto signed my name this 3rd day of August 1927.

JOSEPH TAVANI. 

